Walsall skipper Mark Hughes off to Australia

Skipper Mark Hughes today snubbed Walsall's offer of a two-year contract to join Australian outfit North Queensland Fury.

The 23-year-old defender, who arrived from Northampton last summer, signed contract acceptance forms with the Saddlers last week but a late offer from the Hyundai A-League team prompted him to perform a last-ditch U-turn.

"The offer came a little bit out of the blue," said Hughes. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and if I don't go for it I think I'll always be thinking 'what if'."

Boss Chris Hutchings added: "We spoke at length about the move and agreed to go our separate ways. Mark feels that this is an opportunity he wants to pursue and we will not stand in his way."